How can brand partnerships help you gain more commercial photography business exposure?

1 What are brand partnerships?

Brand partnerships are collaborations between a photographer and a brand, where both parties benefit from each other's audience, content, and reputation. For example, a brand might hire a photographer to create images for their website, social media, or advertising campaigns, and in return, the photographer gets paid, credited, and promoted by the brand. Alternatively, a brand might send a photographer some products to use, review, or feature in their own content, and the photographer gets to keep the products, add them to their portfolio, and increase their visibility.

3 How to find brand partnerships?

Finding brand partnerships can be challenging, yet not impossible. To help you succeed, you should first identify your niche and target brands. Consider what kind of photography you specialize in, what kind of clients you want to work with, and what kind of brands match your style and values. Research potential brands that fit your criteria and create a portfolio that showcases your best work, highlighting your skills, experience, and personality. Craft a pitch that explains who you are, what you can offer, and why you want to partner with the brand. Make sure it is clear, concise, and compelling. Reach out to the brand through their preferred channel such as email, social media, or website. Be respectful, polite, and professional. If you don't hear back within a reasonable time frame, follow up but don't be pushy or spammy.

4 How to manage brand partnerships?

Managing brand partnerships can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. To ensure success, it is important to set clear expectations and goals before starting the partnership. Make sure to understand the scope, deliverables, timeline, budget, and terms of the agreement. Communication should be regular and transparent to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. It is also important to deliver quality and value. Be creative and flexible when producing images that meet their needs and expectations. Offer feedback and suggestions to add value. Lastly, after finishing the project, don’t just disappear. Follow up, thank them, and ask for feedback. Build relationships and trust by keeping in touch, sharing their content, and supporting their goals. Show them that you care and that you're reliable.

5 How to measure brand partnerships?

Measuring brand partnerships can help you evaluate your performance, improve your skills, and grow your business. To do this, you should track various metrics and results, such as impressions, engagement, conversions, revenue, testimonials, or referrals. Use tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics, or surveys to collect and analyze data. This data can help you review your strengths and weaknesses as a photographer and as a partner. After identifying areas of improvement, don't forget to celebrate your achievements and share your stories with your audience. Showcase your work, highlight your benefits, and acknowledge your partners to attract more attention and opportunities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?